St. Rose of Lima
1586-1617

August 31

Although St. Rose of Lima was baptized Isabel de Flores, she was called Rose because of her exceptional beauty. As her title suggests, she was born and lived in Lima Peru.

Rose of Lima had devotion to the great Dominican saint, Catherine of Siena, and there are several parallels in their lives. Both of them were determined from the time of childhood to consecrate themselves to God, and they became members of the Third Order of St. Dominic. Although tertiaries followed the spirit of St. Dominic, they lived as lay people. Like Catherine of Siena, Rose of Lima was a mystic who carved a private place of prayer in her own home. As Catherine, did, Rose emerged from her contemplation to minister to the needs of others. In particular, Rose extended herself to the care of the Indians and slaves. While Catherine advanced under the spiritual direction of another great Dominican, Blessed Raymond of Capua, Rose benefited from the counsel of her friend, Martin de Porres, who was also canonized a Dominican saint. Both Catherine of Siena and Rose of Lima entered into an intimate union with the suffering Jesus. While it is believed that Catherine bore the stigmata, Rose wore a crown of thorns. For that reason, artists have traditionally depicted St. Rose of Lima with a crown of thorns around her head. Like Catherine, Rose also died at an early age, being only 31 years of age at the time of her death.

Although Rose lived for just a short time, she made a dramatic impact on the world. St. Rose of Lima enjoys the distinction of being the first canonized saint of the New World. She stands as a model not just for Americans, but for the entire world. St. Rose of Lima was a true Dominican who balanced a life of prayer with ministry to others.